Museum for Photography Huis Marseille

Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography, is one of Amsterdam’s leading museums dedicated to photographic art. Located in the canal district, in a magnificent 17th-century building, the museum offers a unique combination of historical architecture and contemporary art, creating a fascinating space where the past and present meet. The building that houses Huis Marseille was built in 1665 by Isaac Focquier, a successful merchant who desired a residence that reflected his status and prosperity. The name “Huis Marseille” derives from the port of Marseille, a tribute to the owner’s international trade activities. The house is an excellent example of Dutch architecture from the period, with its symmetrical facade and ornamental details typical of the style of the time. In 1999, Dutch collector and philanthropist Joop van Caldenborgh transformed the building into a photography museum, inaugurating Huis Marseille as the first photography museum in Amsterdam. Since its opening, the museum has stood out for the quality of its exhibitions and its dedication to promoting photography as an art form. The museum’s mission is to present photography in all its facets, exploring the work of both emerging artists and internationally established photographers. One of the distinctive elements of Huis Marseille is its curatorial approach to exhibitions. Each exhibition is carefully selected to offer an in-depth and stimulating view of the world of photography. The exhibitions cover a wide range of themes, from documentary photography to conceptual photography, including portraiture, landscape, and experimental art. This diverse approach allows visitors to explore the multiple dimensions of photography and appreciate its ability to reflect and question contemporary reality. The museum also hosts a permanent collection of photographic works, which includes pieces by some of the greatest photographers in history, as well as contemporary artists. Among the most notable pieces in the collection are the photographs of Berenice Abbott, known for her portraits and iconic images of New York City, and the works of Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of the pioneers of photojournalism and street photography. The collection is continuously expanding, enriched by new acquisitions and donations that reflect emerging trends in the field of photography. A fascinating aspect of Huis Marseille is its attention to the relationship between photography and space. The exhibition rooms are designed to enhance both the photographic works and the historical architecture of the building. The natural light that penetrates through the large windows and high ceilings creates a bright and welcoming environment, ideal for contemplating the images. Additionally, the museum’s garden, a green oasis in the heart of the city, offers a space for reflection and relaxation for visitors. Huis Marseille is also committed to conservation and research. The museum has a state-of-the-art restoration laboratory, where photographic works are treated and preserved with the most modern techniques. Furthermore, the museum collaborates with academic and cultural institutions to promote research on the history and theory of photography, contributing to the development of new knowledge in the field. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery of an ancient photo album during the restoration work on the building. The album, dated to the late 19th century, contained a series of unknown photographs of Amsterdam and its inhabitants. This discovery provided a valuable glimpse into the life of the city during that period and further enriched the museum’s collection.